Discussion

Amada, Zahav or Kanella?

We are coming in for a few days in Philadelphia in May. I am trying to choose between Amada, Zahav and Kanella for dinner one night. We are staying at the Penns View Hotel in Olde City. Which one would you choose and why?We will also be eating at Matyson one night and I think Osteria for the other.

Zahav, because it's the best, my favorite restaurant in the city. It's also not a cuisine you see much of elsewhere. All three are great though. Amada and Kanella are also open for lunch (Kanella only does it Thursday through Saturday if I recall) but Zahav is not, so depending on what days of the week you are here you could hit all three. Kanella would be my second choice after Zahav.

My vote is for Kanella. I found Amada overrated and overpriced. I've never been to Zahav. Kanella has a really beautiful little restaurant and some of the most interesting and delightful Greek food I've had yet.

Throwing in my agreement - brunch/lunch at Kanella, dinner at Zahav. I've had both the Mesibah and the Ta'yim and I enjoyed both - usually get the Ta'yim because I like having more smaller plates. That lamb shoulder is FILLING.

I like Zahav BUT only if you get the Mesibah with the lamb because it makes the meal worth it. Amada is open for lunch and Kanella had brunch if that factors into your thinking. By the way hit Tartes bakery on Arch St. between second and third streets (really close to where you are staying) for sweet treats.

I disagree completely about the mesibah. It's good, but their best dishes are the smaller plates and the skewers (shipudim), and you get more of those to taste if you order the Ta'Yim tasting menu (the less expensive one).